My overall Message is “Keep it REAL”
Everyone has a different starting point, but where-ever you are, changing what you eat can be tough. There are old habits to break, new ones to form, new skills to learn, along with sometimes the uncomfortable feeling of giving up something that may be giving you temporary feelings of pleasure, like sugar and coffee (STIMULANTS!)
Research has shown that these create psychological dependency in many so for some it can feel like an addiction withdrawal when we cut them out. The key is to focus on YOU and not compare yourself to anyone else, as we all have completely different genetic make-up.
By excluding some of the foods we may usually “treat” ourselves with we are rewiring neuronal habits away from the high sugar, high fat plus refined carbohydrates. These may negatively impact our gut flora (microbiota) and our immune systems. During the first few days of the programme the bad bacteria will start to wither and break down and as they do so they may also release toxins that may make you feel lower in energy and sleepy. Make sure you take time out for rest and relaxation to get through this if you are experiencing symptoms. This is why cutting back gently in this preparation week is beneficial.
The good news is that these symptoms will pass fairly quickly if you focus on sleep, eating well, and adding in some lymphatic movement/massage.
Here is some feedback from one of the AUTUMN participants:
This is my second time doing this C&R. Being a chef and working with food every single day made me realize how much I “snack” and taste everyday. Most of the things I eat I don’t even think about. I just put it into my mouth. Things I don’t even need to taste but I do it by reflex. It is so unnecessary and just four days into this program things have started to change. Even faster than last time.
I don’t feel bloated anymore, my ears have stopped itching and my nose has stopped running, I sleep better, and I cope better with my very stressful job. I’m amazed what a change in habits and choice of food can do. Once again THANK YOU Christine Johanna Kjeldbjerg for this amazing program and we’ve only just begun
So remember, “keep it real” – perfect adherence to any plan is near impossible, but if you manage 90% you will be bringing down any inflammation, balancing blood sugar levels and increasing energy and immune reserves.
Your diet is the bedrock of your immune health so getting it primed now will make a huge difference to your resilience. If you can make any changes to reducing your toxic burden, then you will be further supporting all bodily cells and improve immune resilience.